During the winter months, trotting plays a large part in my approach for species such as chub, dace and grayling.

When trotting a large Avon or Loafer float I prefer a bulk of shot at three-quarters depth and if possible use a chain of BB’s or AAA’s as these are presenting the bait better.

On the downside, in confined swims, it can be tangle prone as you cannot use a gentle sideways cast. In these situations, I use a bulk with a large Olivette which hardly ever tangles.